Reading Room Policies

PLEASE NOTE: We Will Be Closed to Researchers
June 2, 2008 - September 2, 2008 for a Renovation

1. All researchers must sign in and sign out and show a valid photo id during each visit, using the Researcher Sign-In Sheets at the Reference Desk.
2. Each researcher must complete a Registration Form during his or her first visit to Archives and Special Collections.   This form may be used again on subsequent visits, or researchers may be asked to complete another form.
3. Each researcher must complete a call slip for any items in the collection that he or she would like to use.
4. No food or beverage is permitted in the reading room.  Smoking is prohibited.
5. All briefcases, book bags, handbags, computer cases, coats, and other personal articles must be deposited in the coat area or with an Archives and Special Collections staff member.  Researchers may use lockers in the coat area.  The department reserves the right to inspect all research materials and personal articles before a patron leaves the reading room.
6. Only paper, pencils, lap top computers, and other needed reference materials or notes may be used in the research area.
7. In most instances, each researcher will be allowed to use no more than two boxes, two folders, or two volumes of material at one time.
8. Collection materials, including photographs, must be handled with care.  They must not be marked or folded and their existing order must be maintained.  If a filing error is suspected, researchers should report the error to the Archives and Special Collections staff; researchers should not rearrange any material.  Surfaces of photographic prints should never be touched (gloves will be provided).  Research must use book supports (available in the Reading Room) to support rare book bindings.
9. Photocopying of documents is completed by Archives and Special Collections staff.
10. Scanning or photographing of collection materials by researchers without the permission of an Archives and Special Collections staff librarian is prohibited.
11. When researchers are finished using material, please return it to the desk and wait until the material has been checked in. Please inform the reference desk assistant if you wish to have the material held for future use.